Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Eight to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Chad Bayse, Vicky Bufano, Michael Kessie, Mark Miller, Amanda Neff, Jose Tapia, Mitch Toryanski, and Jose Vicente to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.


Chad Bayse

Bayse is an Attorney Advisor for the United States Navy Camp Lejune Claims Unit and a Judge Advocate for the United States Navy. He previously served as a Counselor for the United States Attorney General and an Attorney Advisor at the National Security Agency. Bayse earned his bachelor's degree from Carleton College and his juris doctor from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Vicky Bufano

Bufano is an Assistant General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additionally, she serves as a Part-time Instructor in the School of Security and Global Studies at American Military University. Bufano earned her bachelor's degree in legal studies from the University of Central Florida, her master's degree in administration of justice and homeland security from Wilmington University, and her juris doctor from Gonzaga University.


Michael Kessie

Kessie is a Reserve Police Officer for the Bradenton Police Department. Active in his community, he currently serves as a member of the State Retirement Commission and previously served as the Chief of Police for New College of Florida and a Deputy Sheriff for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Kessie earned his associate degree in sociology from Indiana University.

Mark Miller

Miller is a Senior Attorney and Director of Environment and Natural Resources Litigation at Pacific Legal Foundation. Active in his community, he currently serves as a Commissioner for the Nineteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and previously served as Chief of Staff to then-Governor Kristi Noem. Miller earned his bachelor's degree and his juris doctor from the University of Florida.

Amanda Neff

Neff is the Deputy General Counsel at the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission. Active in her community, she currently serves as a Commissioner for the Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and previously served as an Attorney at the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation. Neff earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law.

Jose Tapia

Tapia is a Senior Customer Success Account Manager at Microsoft and the Director of Business Operations for Havana Springs. He previously served as a Senior Account Executive for Gartner. Tapia earned his bachelor's degree in management, information systems, and professional sales from Florida State University.

Mitch Toryanski

Toryanski is currently retired and previously served as the Associate Attorney General for the State of Idaho. A veteran of the United States Army, the United States Army Reserve, and the Idaho National Guard, he was previously elected as a State Senator in Idaho. Toryanski earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his juris doctor from American University.

Jose Vicente

Vicente is the Owner of Thin Blue Lines and previously served as a Detective for the Orlando Police Department. Active in his community, he currently serves on the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and is a member of the American Association of Police Polygraphists. Vicente earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida.

These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.